| caption: |
meeting of Naga National Council in Mokokchung, July 1947 |
| text: |
Yesterday afternoon the delegates were settling in and the school grounds were a gay and riotous sight - scarlet cloaks mingling with tribal dress and European suits. |
| text: |
As it grew dark we heard hurrahs and hymns coming up the hill. When Christian Nagas are happy and excited they sing hymns in four parts like a Welsh choir. We heard 'Fight the Good Fight' and 'Onward Christian Soldiers', or rather Naga versions of them with their own rhythms. Then just as we were starting dinner, the hymn turned to a solemn and rich version of 'God Save the King' and bore steadily down on the bungalow. (19) We looked out and a vast horde was approaching, leaping and hurrahing at the end of each tune. Two silver cups gleamed above their heads - it was the High School and the Middle English school to say they had won the football cups. 'God Save the King' was again sung and three cheers were given for Bill and myself. We gave them some money for a feast and off they went, chanting the National Anthem for yet a third time. |
